Outlook: The Wildcats return just 12 starters from last season's team, which tied Florida A&M and South Carolina State for the MEAC title. But they were picked second in the preseason poll. Jamarr Robinson, a former starter at Maryland, could be the quarterback.

Outlook: FAMU finished in a three-way tie for first in the MEAC last season with Bethune-Cookman and South Carolina State. The Rattlers return eight starters from a defense that allowed 18.4 points per game. Also back are quarterback Austin Trainor, who started the final three games last season, and leading receivers Antonio Lawrence and Kevin Elliott.

Outlook: Schnellenberger announced this will be his final season, his 11th at FAU. The Owls open the season with three road games against teams in the preseason Top 25: No. 22 Florida, 17 Michigan State and No. 23 Auburn. The top returning quarterbacks, David Kooi and Graham Wilbert, had a combined one completion on seven attempts last season.

Outlook: The Golden Panthers, entering their 11th season, posted their first winning one last year. They are the preseason Sun Belt favorite after winning seven of their final nine games last season, including 34-32 over Toledo in the Little Caesars Bowl. Leading the way are receiver T.Y. Hilton, who had 848 yards receiving, 300 yards rushing and 11 total touchdowns (two on kickoff returns) last season, and Wesley Carroll, who threw for 2,623 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Outlook: Jacksonville shared the Pioneer title with Dayton last season and is picked to win it this season. It lost 10 starters from a team that led Division I-AA in scoring (42.2 points per game) and total offense (486.3 yards per game). Josh McGregor threw for 3,049 yards and 32 touchdowns with seven interceptions.